50 Wealthiest: Jeffrey Skoll #18

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NET WORTH: $2.43 billion -2%

LAST YEAR: $2.48 billion

AGE: 47

RESIDENCE: Beverly Hills

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Internet commerce

THE MONEY: Canadian native made billions from stock grants as first employee of eBay but has been giving away close to $100 million annually in ambitious effort to solve world problems. Film production company and private wealth management firm appear to be doing well.

BUZZ: One of few philanthropists ever to give away at least $1 billion in lifetime, according to recent magazine profile. Skoll Foundation has donated more than $300 million to social entrepreneurs with plans to solve global problems. Yet recently said “sometimes we just may not be doing enough.” His socially conscious production company, Participant Media, has garnered 22 Oscar nominations, including four for last year’s hit “The Help.” Other films include “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Syriana.” Hosts annual Skoll World Forum gabfest in Oxford, England, that recently featured financier George Soros. Recently moved his foundation and film company to offices close to Beverly Hills City Hall. Born into Montreal Jewish family. Father owned a chemical company; mother was a teacher. Stanford M.B.A. joined eBay founder Pierre Omidyar as company’s first full-time employee before leaving in 1998. Appointed Officer of the Order of Canada, one of that country’s highest civilian honors. Remains unmarried, but said in magazine profile that he has a girlfriend and is ready to settle down. Early investor in Tesla Motors Inc.

Drives red Tesla.

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